Tips For Getting Quality Consert Photos That Get You Noticed

2024-06-22

As a photographer, capturing the essence of a live concert can be a challenging yet rewarding task. Bands, artists, stage crew, and especially the light technicians can significantly influence the quality of their concert photos by following a few simple tips. These pointers will help photographers work more effectively, ensuring that you get noticed for all the right reasons.

1. Understand the Importance of Lighting

Key Tip: Invest in good lighting and work with your light technician to create dynamic and consistent lighting setups.

  • Why It Matters: Poor lighting is the number one enemy of good concert photos. Bright, consistent lighting allows photographers to capture sharp and well-exposed images.
  • Skin tones: Avoid using predominantly red or blue lighting, as these can wash out skin tones and details. Mix colors and use white light to balance the scene.
  • Light direction: Choosing saturated colors behind the band and white towards the artist.
  • Oh no, not the smoke again: The second biggest enemy of photographers is smoke.
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Apocalyptica at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2023

Best examples can be found when looking at some of the biggest stars on stage. No matter how edgy and dark their show is, they usually choose to play in good lighting and that results in great photography.

Rule of thumb is that photographers usually get to take their photos during the first 3 songs only or at least in the photo pit in front of the stage. Keeping the light conditions optimal during those 3 songs will create the biggest impact for concert photography. After that, you can go wild with everything and allow photographers to capture the overall vibe from the show.

2. Think About Your Outfits

Key Tip: Wear outfits that stand out but are not overly flashy or reflective.

  • Why It Matters: What you wear can significantly impact how you appear in photos. Bright, contrasting colors can help you stand out against the background, while overly reflective materials can cause glare.
  • Actionable Advice: Opt for colors that complement the stage lighting and avoid busy patterns. Ensure all band members coordinate to present a cohesive image.

Additional Information:

Completely black outfits together with bright lights work really well, but if the stage is dark, then it will be hard to gain enough contrast for the photos. White clothing, on the other hand, works in darker conditions, but there will be issues if there are bright spotlights directly towards the artist.

Personally, I find it amazing when the lights are completely coordinated with the stage clothing. Not just for photography, but it also delivers a more thought-out show.

Miseria Ultima at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2023
Miseria Ultima at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2023

3. Engage with the Camera

Key Tip: Acknowledge the photographers and interact with the audience and camera.

  • Why It Matters: Engaging with the camera can produce more dynamic and interesting photos that capture the energy of your performance.
  • Actionable Advice: Make eye contact with the camera, strike poses, and use expressive body language. Encourage photographers to move around the stage to get various angles and perspectives.

Additional Information:

Good thing to remember is that sometimes the photographer might have the wrong lens to shoot you while you interact with them. I often try to take a couple of close-ups of each member of the band if possible, which might require a long telephoto lens, especially for the drummer. Meanwhile, a really short lens is usually a wide-angle or fisheye lens and might not work well if you're far away.

Personally, I try to communicate by lowering my camera, so the artist doesn't focus on me too much when it's not the optimal situation to take my shot. Another situation is that sometimes photographers might be taking video unless it's denied during your show. When I do that and the artist interacts with me, I keep my trigger finger up to signal that the video is being recorded.

In Mourning at On the Rocks, Helsinki
In Mourning at On the Rocks, Helsinki

4. Be Mindful of Your Movements

Key Tip: Move with purpose and be aware of your positioning on stage.

  • Why It Matters: Erratic and unpredictable movements can make it difficult for photographers to capture clear shots, especially if you're really close to them. Controlled and deliberate movements result in more composed images.
  • Actionable Advice: Plan key moments of your performance where you will interact with certain parts of the stage. Signal important parts of songs where dramatic movements or poses are expected.
Matthew Creed at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2021
Matthew Creed at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2021

5. Communicate with Your Photographer

Key Tip: Have a pre-show meeting with your photographer to discuss expectations and special moments. This is especially important if you paid and booked the photographer.

  • Why It Matters: Understanding each other’s needs and expectations can lead to better cooperation and more successful photos.
  • Actionable Advice: Share your setlist and highlight key moments or songs where you want specific shots. Discuss any particular angles or effects you're aiming for and any limitations or preferences the photographer might have.
Neonya!! Halloween Rave Vol 2
Proteus at Neonya!! Halloween Rave Vol 2

6. Use Props and Visual Effects Wisely

Key Tip: Incorporate props and effects that enhance your performance without overwhelming the visuals.

  • Why It Matters: Props and effects can add a unique touch to your performance but can also clutter photos if not used judiciously.
  • Actionable Advice: Use smoke machines, confetti, or other effects sparingly. Ensure they complement your act rather than overshadow it. Props should be used to enhance your stage presence, not detract from it.
Club Infektio at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2022
Club Infektio DJs emanon and Mole IX at Hellsinki Industrial Festival 2022

7. Stay Professional On and Off Stage

Key Tip: Maintain a professional attitude throughout the event.

  • Why It Matters: Your professionalism can significantly impact the working relationship with your photographer, leading to better cooperation and results. I can assure you that I push my creativity ten times more with artists whom I either admire or have good relations with.
  • Actionable Advice: Be punctual for soundchecks and any pre-show meetings. Respect the photographer’s time and workspace. Ensure your crew and band members are aware of the plan and cooperate fully.
Kneel Before the Death at On the Rocks, 2024
Kneel Before the Death at On the Rocks 2024

8. Consider Post-Production Needs

Key Tip: Understand that some aspects of the photography can be improved in post-production.

  • Why It Matters: While photographers strive to get the best shot on-site, some enhancements may be made during editing.
  • Actionable Advice: Discuss any specific post-production preferences you have with your photographer. Ensure that your photos are edited to maintain a natural look while highlighting the best aspects of your performance.
  • Journalistic Ethics: In some situations, photographers cannot edit your photos too much. It's part of journalism that they should always show the truth rather than manipulate it. I always try to make you and your show look amazing, but in the end, the final results are up to you and your crew.
Priest at Tavastia, Helsinki
Priest at Tavastia, Helsinki 2023

Why should I care?

The biggest reason you should care about how good the photos your concert photographers get is your PR. The better the photos they get, the more attention they will gain in the most impactful marketing channel of the music and entertainment industry today: social media. These photos can define how the audience will picture you and what they will expect to see at your shows. Amazing shows also lure in more photographers, and especially when they work with media, it will give you free publicity.

By following these tips, artists, bands, and the crew can help photographers capture stunning concert photos that truly represent their energy and talent. Remember, the more you collaborate and communicate with your photographer, the better the results will be.

Watain at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2023
Watain at Hellsinki Metal Festival 2023

In the end all rules are meant to be broken. It's your show and you do what you like. You don't do your shows for the photographers, but for yourself and your audience. If you know your vibe works for you, go with it!

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